College Application

Mastering the English language proficiency test

As international students who want to pursue undergraduate education in the United States, proficiency in English is paramount for academic success and integration into university life. English standardized tests like the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and PTE (Pearson Test of English) are widely recognized by US universities. But, from the time of COVID-19, the Duolingo English Proficiency Test has gained popularity as an alternative assessment option. Additionally, there are some ways to waive this English language proficiency test requirements; that means you don’t have to take any of the tests. In thisblog, we'll explore these tests and will learn how we can waive the requirement as an international student.

 

Understanding the Tests

 

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
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    • Assesses English proficiency in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
    • Offered in internet-based (iBT) and paper-based (PBT) formats.
    • The TOEFL iBT test is offered two ways: TOEFL iBT test: on a computer at an authorized test center. TOEFL iBT Home Edition: on a computer at home, monitored by a live human proctor.
    • Scores range from 0 to 120, with each section scored on a scale of 0 to 30.

 

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  •  
    • Evaluates proficiency through Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking components.
    • Available in Academic and General Training formats, with the Academic version typically required for undergraduate admissions.
    • Test taker can take the test on paper or on a computer in the official test centres
    • Scores reported on a 9-band scale for each section, with an overall band score calculated as an average.

 

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

 

  • A computer-based English language proficiency test.
  • Assesses Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing skills.
  • Scores are reported on a scale of 10 to 90.
  •  

 

  • Duolingo English Proficiency Test
  •  
    • A convenient online test that evaluates English language skills in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
    • This test is taken at home.
    • Scores range from 10 to 160.
    • Accepted by an increasing number of universities worldwide as an alternative to traditional English proficiency tests.

 

Additionally, you can get a Duolingo fee waiver to take this test. To get the fee waiver, kindly mail to the universities you are applying to.

 

TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo

 

Here is the score comparison of these tests:

(I will make a graphics for this, this is just for reference)


 

Waiving English Proficiency Test Requirements

 

There are three ways to waive the English proficiency test requirements:

 

  • Academic Background
    • Some universities may waive the English proficiency test requirement for applicants who have completed a certain level of education in English-medium institutions.
    • Check individual university policies to determine eligibility for a waiver based on academic qualifications.

 

  • Standardized Test Scores
    • Exceptional scores in other standardized tests like the SAT or ACT may sometimes be accepted as evidence of English proficiency.
    • Verify with universities whether high scores on these tests can substitute for English proficiency test requirements.

 

  • English Language Proficiency Certification
    • Applicants who have obtained certification from recognized English language programs such as ESL (English as a Second Language) courses may qualify for waivers.
    • Provide documentation of completion or certification from accredited language institutions when applying for waivers.

 

Navigating English standardized tests is a crucial step for international students seeking admission to US undergraduate programs.  Moreover, understanding the options for waiving English proficiency test requirements can provide additional pathways to admission. 

 

To learn more about the english proficiency test, visit the respective websites below:

TOEFL: https://www.ets.org/toefl.html

IELTS: https://ielts.org/

PTE: https://www.pearsonpte.com/

DUOLINGO: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/test_takers